VOCATION

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Interconnectedness of all of God’s Creation Interconnectedness of all of God’s Creation

During the second year of the COVID pandemic, I had the chance to know some of the families in the area when I immersed myself in the locality and appreciated the nature around me. The landscape is incredible with the seas on one end and the farms leading up to the mountain on the other.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day Celebrating Valentine’s Day

"Love comes in many forms, and a romantic relationship is not the only kind to celebrate on this day. In fact, I believe that my schoolmates and professors in Loyola School of Theology (LST), and brothers and formators in the Columban House of Studies are my perfect Valentine."

Interconnecting the Dots Interconnecting the Dots

In retrospect, it’s a grace-filled moment to see dots from random moments and be capable of making connections. It’s like seeing in your mind how an unfinished tapestry would look like once finished. This is how I attempt to highlight the notable Columban imprints in my journey.

REMEMBERING Pilar Tilos By Liam O’Callaghan, SSC REMEMBERING Pilar Tilos By Liam O’Callaghan, SSC

As we remember her on the 27th anniversary of her death, may her life and ministry remind us that we are called to be messengers of peace, joy and healing. If we reach out to others, we can break down barriers and taboos and bring about harmony and understanding.

The Art of Listening The Art of Listening

As we settle into 2023, we continue to devote ourselves to authentic interactions that bring out the best and, sometimes, the worst in us. As I journey into my seventh year of Columban formation, I share with you my reflection on the "Art of Listening."

Blessings and the Beatitudes Blessings and the Beatitudes

Everyone wants to have a comfortable life, don’t we? But difficulties and adversities mold us to be strong and better Christians. They are a form of blessing one way or another.

SYNOD ON SYNODALITY: We do not copy, we create SYNOD ON SYNODALITY: We do not copy, we create

"In reflecting together on the journey that has been made so far, we realize that another person’s experiences and perspectives, guided by the Holy Spirit according to the Preparatory Document, is at the service of the synodal journey. "

An Unequal World An Unequal World

World Mental Health Day commemorates the strength of those who are suffering from mental health issues and other forms of inequality. Let us live by Mahatma Gandhi’s aphorism: “To live simply so others may simply live.”

Mary and Her Magnificat

Like us, Mary saw the problems of her time. But she also appreciated the good deeds that the Lord has already done. May we also see and give support to the positive developments being done by people of goodwill.

Second Sunday of Advent –A Reflection Second Sunday of Advent –A Reflection

We are a nation that loves Christmas because we look forward to family gatherings. This is the time when loved ones who have been away, such as a parent working overseas, comes home.

Opening Doors for Communication Opening Doors for Communication

I hope that my experiences will not only help improve my mastery of the language, but also grow my faith and identity as a Columban for the service of God's Kingdom. So, I put myself in this journey through the guidance, grace and strength of God.

Faith and Forgiveness Faith and Forgiveness

No matter how bad we perceive a person to be, there is always a 'good seed' in him and a 'potential' to change and grow.

THE CHALLENGE TO LOVE THEM AS THEY ARE THE CHALLENGE TO LOVE THEM AS THEY ARE

Over the years, the Community of Hope Special Education Center has served more than 1,000 children and young adults suffering from autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, clubfoot, cleft palate, hearing impairments and intellectual disabilities. Thanks to the various programs run by the Center, some participants have been able to find work in the local community.

Reflection on Teaching Reflection on Teaching

He shared that his greatest dream in life is “to make the world peaceful. I want everyone in the world to enjoy fully their human rights.” Sadly, the political crisis in Myanmar is delaying the dreams of many young people including Saya Zenry’s.

A Humble Experience During Quarantine A Humble Experience During Quarantine

What I experienced during quarantine was a humbling experience to say the least. Everyone was concerned, some prayed for me, some sent messages of encouragement, and kind advice.

Outraged by Human Greed by Fr Rex Rocamora Outraged by Human Greed by Fr Rex Rocamora

"I came to realize about how much outrage Popong has against greed when  Father Yrap shared that Popong ‘did not want to give a penny’ to anyone who might profit from kidnapping him."

TO BE FISHER OF MEN TO BE FISHER OF MEN

The Columban family in the Philippine region rejoiced with the parishioners of San Roque Parish, Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental as Fr. Jerry A. Lohera, SSC was ordained into priesthood last June 14, 2022, by Archbishop Jose Cabantan, D.D. of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro.

TO BE FISHER OF MEN TO BE FISHER OF MEN

The Columban family in the Philippine region rejoiced with the parishioners of San Roque Parish, Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental as Fr. Jerry A. Lohera, SSC was ordained into priesthood last June 14, 2022, by Archbishop Jose Cabantan, D.D. of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro.

The Deaf Ministry during the Pandemic The Deaf Ministry during the Pandemic

During this pandemic, the deaf people are more isolated from the rest of the world. They only become aware with what is happening locally and globally through visual media, from the TV or the internet. Even then, the information interpreted for them has its limits.

Loving as Jesus Love Loving as Jesus Love

The French philosopher Alain Badiou says that, “love, the essence of which is fidelity to the meaning I give to this word, demon-strates how eternity can exist within the span of life itself.”

Determination and Discernment Determination and Discernment

Dreaming to become a priest at that time without considering all the factors at play was foolish and ambitious. I can still remember my father’s desperate voice, telling me, “I cannot afford to send you to the seminary.” We had a small farm planted with sweet potato, ube, corn, cassava, taro and banana that only provides us little income.

A One of a Kind Ordination A One of a Kind Ordination

Elbert, a newly ordained deacon of the Missionary Society of St Columban, from Oton, Iloilo, shares his reflection about his diaconate ordination experience at this time of pandemic.

Diaconate Ordination of Elbert Balbastro and Jerry Lohera Diaconate Ordination of Elbert Balbastro and Jerry Lohera

In the morning of the same day, both Elbert and Jerry became permanent members of the Missionary Society of St. Columban. Congratulations!  As we welcome them with joy and thanksgiving, we also continue to pray for them in the next stage of their missionary journey.

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